Positive injury news

22 January 2016

Joe Reid

Reds’ boss is delighted with injured trio's progress

Manager Mark Yates has expressed his delight at the progress his injured trio are making.

Joe McNerney and Jimmy Smith both remain sidelined with knee and foot injuries respectively, but defender Lanre Oyebanjo has begun training with the squad and it’s hoped he will return in mid-February having been out all season.

Mark said: “Lanre trained for a couple of days this week, he’s feeling the muscles that he hasn’t used in a while so we're taking it very gently with him.

“But we have scheduled a behind closed doors game next week which will be a step up for him. We want to see him return as soon as possible but you’ve got to be patient.”

Mark also revealed that Joe McNerney has been in and around the squad again this week, having been out since September and had further knee surgery last week.

“It’s great to have Joe back amongst the group, he’s a fantastic character to have in and around the squad," said Mark.

And after breaking his foot against Portsmouth in January, Jimmy Smith has also begun working in the gym as he begins the long road back to full fitness.

Mark added: “Jimmy’s still in the protective boot but he’s started working on the bike in the gym. He livens the group up, he’s a leader and is generally great to have around the camp."